The Ruff Report: Dogs and Safety

Saturday

Dec 8, 2012 at 12:15 PM

Don't be in the dark about this pet threat

A natural phenomenon that happens each year puts your pet at a much higher risk of injury or even death, and dogs and cats need careful guidance to deal with it, an animal welfare agency warns.This marvel of Mother Nature that endangers the well-being of pets occurs in late autumn and winter, the period when daylight becomes scarce, nights are longer and the chances of your pet being hit by a vehicle skyrocket.

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A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.For more details and to order, go to theMySetterSam E-store

Also find The Hunt of Her Life on:Facebook/thehuntofherlifeAmazon.comCLICK HERE TO LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK

Story continues hereDuring this period, road traffic accidents involving pets spike 8 percent, resulting in more broken bones, fractures and deaths, according to PDSA, a leading veterinary charity in Britain.

"It's essential to keep your dog on a lead when out walking and, as much as possible, only walk them in daylight," Elaine Pendlebury, a veterinarian for PDSA, states in a media release.

The injuries that occur from road traffic accidents during winter are also far more severe - or even fatal - than at other times of the year, Dr. Pendlebury said. Pets frequently get hit by vehicles moving at higher speeds because drivers brake late since they are unable to see a pet dashing into the road until the last moment.

"During the winter, victims of road traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of trauma we see at PDSA PetAid hospitals," Dr. Pendlebury said.

Young cats, like those age 7 months to 2 years, are particularly vulnerable because they often lack "street-wise" abilities.

Because of the darkness, pet owners many times fail to realize their dog or cat has been hit by a vehicle, Dr. Pendlebury said. "Often injuries are hidden or impossible to detect without a veterinary inspection; such as bruises buried beneath layers of fur or internal injuries."

According to PDSA, indications that a pet has been involved in road traffic accident include: Pale gums and lips, which could be a sign of internal bleeding; difficulty breathing; cuts, wounds and bruises; scuffed hind claws which could indicate a dug its claws into the road when hit; and limping or inability to stand.

Related reports about dogs and winter:Winter is most deadly time of the year for petsDon't let your pet get the winter bluesReports about dogs, poison and safety:Grapes, mushrooms, pot are leading pet poisonsPoison levels high in pet collars, bowls, beds, toys Pet poisons bloom everywhereThis information about poisoning can save your dog's lifeCommon household item cause most pet poisonings

Reports about dogs, food and safetyToxic levels of chemical found in dog foodsChocolate, candies mean danger for dogs

Reports about dogs and safety This common activity can injure - even kill - your petLivingroom item a leading cause of pet injuriesIn emergency, your pet's survival depends on youNo ID means death for 800,000 pets a yearProtect your pet from theft and torturePets capable of swallowing strange objectsKeep your pet safe during floods, storms More reports about dogs and safetyReports about dogs, behavior and safety Dogs always mouth off before they biteDogs feel no guilt about misbehaving Hey dummy, your dog's smarter than you thinkA fun place for dogs where fighting often eruptsThe secret to getting your dog to behavePDSA recommends these precautions to reduce the risk of pets being hit by a vehicle: Keep your pets in at night when possible.When walking a dog, use a non-extending lead and well-fitted collar to make it impossible for him to run into the road.Use fluorescent jackets on yourself and dog when walking at night.HOME

A natural phenomenon that happens each year puts your pet at a much higher risk of injury or even death, and dogs and cats need careful guidance to deal with it, an animal welfare agency warns.This marvel of Mother Nature that endangers the well-being of pets occurs in late autumn and winter, the period when daylight becomes scarce, nights are longer and the chances of your pet being hit by a vehicle skyrocket.

Story continues below----------------------------------------------------------------------

A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.For more details and to order, go to theMySetterSam E-store

Also find The Hunt of Her Life on:Facebook/thehuntofherlifeAmazon.comCLICK HERE TO LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK

Story continues hereDuring this period, road traffic accidents involving pets spike 8 percent, resulting in more broken bones, fractures and deaths, according to PDSA, a leading veterinary charity in Britain.

"It's essential to keep your dog on a lead when out walking and, as much as possible, only walk them in daylight," Elaine Pendlebury, a veterinarian for PDSA, states in a media release.

The injuries that occur from road traffic accidents during winter are also far more severe - or even fatal - than at other times of the year, Dr. Pendlebury said. Pets frequently get hit by vehicles moving at higher speeds because drivers brake late since they are unable to see a pet dashing into the road until the last moment.

"During the winter, victims of road traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of trauma we see at PDSA PetAid hospitals," Dr. Pendlebury said.

Young cats, like those age 7 months to 2 years, are particularly vulnerable because they often lack "street-wise" abilities.

Because of the darkness, pet owners many times fail to realize their dog or cat has been hit by a vehicle, Dr. Pendlebury said. "Often injuries are hidden or impossible to detect without a veterinary inspection; such as bruises buried beneath layers of fur or internal injuries."

According to PDSA, indications that a pet has been involved in road traffic accident include: Pale gums and lips, which could be a sign of internal bleeding; difficulty breathing; cuts, wounds and bruises; scuffed hind claws which could indicate a dug its claws into the road when hit; and limping or inability to stand.

Related reports about dogs and winter:Winter is most deadly time of the year for petsDon't let your pet get the winter bluesReports about dogs, poison and safety:Grapes, mushrooms, pot are leading pet poisonsPoison levels high in pet collars, bowls, beds, toys Pet poisons bloom everywhereThis information about poisoning can save your dog's lifeCommon household item cause most pet poisonings

Reports about dogs, food and safetyToxic levels of chemical found in dog foodsChocolate, candies mean danger for dogs

Reports about dogs and safety This common activity can injure - even kill - your petLivingroom item a leading cause of pet injuriesIn emergency, your pet's survival depends on youNo ID means death for 800,000 pets a yearProtect your pet from theft and torturePets capable of swallowing strange objectsKeep your pet safe during floods, storms More reports about dogs and safetyReports about dogs, behavior and safety Dogs always mouth off before they biteDogs feel no guilt about misbehaving Hey dummy, your dog's smarter than you thinkA fun place for dogs where fighting often eruptsThe secret to getting your dog to behavePDSA recommends these precautions to reduce the risk of pets being hit by a vehicle: Keep your pets in at night when possible.When walking a dog, use a non-extending lead and well-fitted collar to make it impossible for him to run into the road.Use fluorescent jackets on yourself and dog when walking at night.HOME